Article Impact Level: HIGH Data Quality: STRONG Summary of Clinical Practice in Athletic Training, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.31622/2024/0007.04.11 Dr. Shannon M. Wright et al.
Points
- Women’s rugby 7s has a higher concussion rate than 15s, and concussions occur more frequently during matches than in training across all formats.
- Elite 7s forwards face the highest concussion risk, while backs have slightly higher rates than forwards. Rugby league players also have a higher incidence of concussions compared to rugby union players.
- Female rugby players take over a month on average to recover from concussions, highlighting the need for specialized management protocols in women’s rugby.
- As rugby’s popularity grows, particularly with the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups in the U.S., athletic trainers must be equipped with accurate concussion data to improve safety, education, and injury management.
- The study underscores the importance of further research into concussion prevention and calls for enhanced safety protocols to protect female athletes as the sport continues to expand.
Summary
Rugby, a fast-growing full-contact sport, is notorious for its high injury rates, particularly concussions. While men’s rugby has long had an organized play with established injury data, women’s rugby has only recently gained attention, leading to a significant gap in concussion research. This study examines the epidemiology of concussion in women’s rugby union and league. Pooled data from 16 studies showed that backs had slightly higher concussion rates than forwards, with rugby league (13 players) showing higher concussion incidence than rugby union (15 or 7 players). Moreover, 7s rugby (7 players) posed a higher concussion risk than 15s rugby. When analyzing concussion rates by position and level, elite 7s forwards had the highest risk compared to amateur 7s backs or 15s Rugby World Cup players. Additionally, concussion risk was significantly higher during matches than in training for both formats.
This research also highlights the growing importance of athletic trainers, who are often the first medical professionals to respond to concussions in rugby. With the United States hosting the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the sport’s visibility will likely increase, making it crucial for athletic trainers to be equipped with the best available data. The study allows trainers to understand concussion trends better, focusing efforts on safety, player education, and timely injury identification. Concussions in women’s rugby are particularly concerning as female athletes tend to take longer to recover, averaging over a month before returning to play.
In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need for continued research into concussion prevention and management in women’s rugby. With higher concussion rates in rugby 7s and during matches and the need for better safety protocols, athletic trainers play an essential role in minimizing injury risks. As rugby continues to grow in popularity, especially in the U.S., athletic trainers need to incorporate these findings into their practices to improve player safety and ensure a safer future for the sport.
Link to the article: https://scholars.indianastate.edu/clinat/vol7/iss4/10/
References Wright, S. M. (2024). Concussions in women’s rugby: An evidence-to-practice review. Clinical Practice in Athletic Training, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.31622/2024/0007.04.11
